As I sit typing I can hear the wind gusting outside. It is dark, and even the robins are quiet now, leaving the storm to hold the stage.

It’s a big storm, called Henk, and it’s sweeping over the southern half of the UK. Trees are down, water is spreading, trains are disrupted, and many of us are beginning to wonder whether it’s worth trying to get to work tomorrow. Bizarrely, it is also warm – 12 degrees at midnight last night according to my mobile, and not much colder now unless you’re standing in the wind. So far the power is still on.

So is the evening news. One story was of lives saved by the courage of aircrew in Japan as they helped 379 passengers exit a burning plane. The next was of deliberate killing and destruction.

Makes me wonder what the news is in the world of robins. They were out and about today, chests puffed, singing into the wind, full of the excitement of life. Hope that’s how you’re feeling where you are – bold and ready for the year ahead.

I’m hoping it will be a good one, and that I might have a little more time now I’m signing off on my daily blogging. I’ve enjoyed the writing, but it’s taken a chunk out of each day. By far the best of it, has been your company. Thanks so much. I hope to be back occasionally.

Meanwhile … here’s to you, and to 2024!

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2024